by Carol of A Different Nest

I decided that putting this together would be like a Brain Gym session for adults. It would force me to use logic, follow instructions and focus on a spatial project, rather than words. This type of work is recommended in Carved in Sand, a book on midlife loss of memory and attention. And it has; just the act of repeatedly differentiating between five green connectors only millimeters apart in size has made me feel smarter already.

I’m still not sure, though, if I am working smarter, not harder. I have been making slow progress, with only about 200 more pieces to go. The problem, though, is that I can’t do it with Sayer around because he doesn’t want to wait until it is completed to use it, and I have other things to do during the time he is in school or asleep.

If only it were practical to start an online registry to link those who need to challenge their brains with those who’s like to go out to lunch and return with a completely built toy ready for their kids to enjoy or break. But, alas, I imagine there would be logistical problems, as in “Honey, who is this gentleman with the magnifying glass and pipe?” “Oh, just the man who came over to build Johnnie’s marble roller coaster.”

At any rate, I am determined to finish this Marble Mania Extreme set on my own before school is out. I’m trying to think of it like learning to knit; the more you practice the easier it gets. Wish me luck, and remind me how much Sayer will love it when it is done. Just don’t tell me that bargains are not always such bargains. I think I know why it ended up at Goodwill in such pristine condition!